Merry Christmas!

Wow! An entire month and I have not written on here. Where has the time gone? Things have been going well in our neck of the woods. We had a nice Christmas, although we were snowed in for almost 2 days. That is the 2nd time we have been snowed in this month.....what is the rest of the winter going to be like? With any luck we will be able to miss out on some of this Iowa weather. However, if we miss out on Iowa weather we might get to experiance "Asian" weather (which could be about like this). An update on our adoption would be that our documents did pass through the embassy, and on Dec. 7th were sent overseas. So, now we are waiting for "the call". Then we will be traveling to meet the newest little member of our family and finalize our adoption. We don't know when we'll get that call, but it could be any day between now & the next 2 months. We are getting excited and continue to pray that the Lord will provide for the travel expenses that will be coming.....
We are all doing well. Faith has certainly enjoyed the Christmas season. She got a new little flashlight and the battery was dead by the 2nd day! 8-)
Bob is off work for the rest of the year. We are enjoying a nice "Christmas Vacation". He had enough time off to take the last week of the year off from work. (after our crazy year I am not sure how he pulled it off, but it sure is nice!)

I guess that's about all for now. Hopefully it will not be so long before I write on here again. I will be sure to write though should we have any more adoption updates - so be sure to check back!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Until Next Time........

Happy Thanksgiving!

In just a few short days it will be Thanksgiving! This past Saturday we had an early celebration with my family. Although not all of my siblings were not able to come. My brother & his family moved to Hawaii a few months ago, it was alittle far for them. My little sister & her family have been dealing with sickness so did not drive up from St. Louis. The gathering seemed rather small with them gone. We all fit around Mom & Dad's table, which is a very rare occurance. After lunch, we had a pinata for the kids and then Dad took us on a hayride. It was alot of fun. Bob & I were trying to think of the last time we had been on a hayride and decided it was probably right after we got married....so it's been a few years. My sister & I got out some photo albums and enjoyed showing my "little" brother's wife funny pictures of Tim. We had one picture that had him "dressed" in sweet potato vines. We had dubbed him "Sweet Potato King". We thought it was funny then and funny Saturday. Guess Tim didn't find humor in it either time. LOL He endured alot from his 3 sisters. We dressed him up in anything we thought would be funny. Poor kid.....well, not really. That's what happens when a boy has 3 older sisters.
Bob just got home and we are going to go on a walk before it gets to dark.
So, until next time...................

Well, I think we have finally gotten a few days without rain. The crops are coming out in the fields around our house. We can hear the tractors and combines late into the night. I am sure the farmers are very greatful for the dryer weather. The last few days have actually been nice.

Have you ever had a dog rip the pad off their foot? Our poor dog, Roman some how managed to get part of the pad ripped off his back foot yesterday. Poor thing is limping around now. Don't know what to do with him. Should I just leave it be or bandage it up (something he'd just chew off anyway). He's outside limping around in the leaves. I'm guessing the crunchy leaves don't feel to good on that foot.

Faith is working on her reading. She's sounding out little words now and is making great progress. She likes to go through the store sounding out the words she sees. She's going to take off here real soon and be reading. I'm afraid once she starts reading really well she's going to be like her mother - a bookworm! I have actually stopped reading as much as I did. I have a tendancy to start a book and not do anything else until my book is finished. So, it's very seldom now that I pick up a book just for fun.

I think I mentioned about a month ago that Bob was in a car accident and the car was totalled? Well, Friday Faith & I went and bought a new car. Yes, it was actually just Faith & I. Papers were signed and check wrote before Bob ever saw the car. That being said, he knew what I was up too and trusted me enough to send me off to make the purchase while he was at work. He likes the car so all is good. 8-) Ironically enough, it's another Malibu (what was wrecked).

That really sums up what has been going on. Faith is watch "Word World" on IPTV right now. It's the only thing she gets to watch. I was sceptical, but I have actually noticed a progression in her reading and letter recognition/sounds since she started watching it. I think it is helping to reinforce what Mom has been trying to teach her. She sees "Duck & Frog" sounding out words like Mom tells her to do and BINGO - it clicks. I am sure the next child will be totally different!

Speaking of next child - no news.....we are just waiting until it's time. Time we don't know when will come. Could be a couple of weeks to a couple of months. We'll keep you posted if we hear anything.

Until next time..........

November 1

The year is certainly ticking away. Christmas is just 8wks away (not to cause you panic!). I don't know about you, but our fall has certainly been wet. I am not sure we've had 3 rain free days in a row for awhile. That being said, today is a beautiful fall day. We went out and attempted to take some family pictures in the leaves. Do you know it is very difficult to take a family picture when you are in it! I made the comment that I was hoping we'd get atleast one good one. Bob replied "Oh, they'll be fine, they are being taken by a professional!" My comment to that was that while that might be the case, the "professional" couldn't actually see what she was taking a picture of - so it doesn't exactly count. It was more of a point the camera where you're going to be. Jump in the picture, smile and hope it turns out alright. And I couldn't ever see if Faith was looking at the camera and smiling or if she was looking off somewhere else and making faces. (Which turned out to be the case a few times.)

No adoption news to report - still waiting.

Bob & I took over teaching Sunday school with the change of the quarter. I have the 1st graders and he the 3rd-5th graders. It's been interesting. I have been taking Faith into my class with me. Suprisingly enough she is not the most talkative child in there. Can you believe it?!? And what's even more amazing is the most talkative are the boys. I know, that's fall off your chair shocking! Faith being out talked by the boys! Don't be fooled though, she certainly does her share and we have had to mandate the "raise your hand to talk" rule. (It is not that the boys can out talk Faith. Faith's mother is the teacher, and Faith knows when Momma says "shhh" Momma means "shhh". Therefore she doesn't say everything she would like too!) Sometimes the teacher can hardly get a word in edge wise. At lunch today, Bob was asking Faith what she had learned in S.S. class this morning. To my delight & amazment she was able to tell the story of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednigo with a great deal of detail and accuracy. She told him "And when they came out of the fire they didn't even smell like smoke!" She was paying attention!!!

Well, I think I fancy a quick Sunday afternoon nap. I will probably nod off just about the time Faith wakes up. But it's worth the try. You would think that getting an extra hour of sleep last night would have elimnated the need for a Sunday nap. That may have been the case if Faith had not woke up over an hour before the alarm was to go off, determined that it was morning and time to WAKE UP. I told her it was to early..."But MOM!! I'm HUNGRY!" I can't say as that I got much sleep after that.

Until Next time........

October 18

Well, I just looked and it's been 15 days since my last post. I guess I had better blog something on here....for those of you who read this. 8-)

No adoption news. We are in a "waiting" stage right now. I think that is one of the harder things to do. When we had paperwork to do, it was in our hands and we could work as fast as we could. When it is out of our hands and we have to wait, it can be nerve racking at times. Since we mailed off the last requested document we haven't really heard anything. Oh, I take that back. I called our case manager to see how long she thought it would take from this point until we would get our invitation to travel. (We needed to give Bob's boss some sort of idea.) If we remember correctly, it took under 3 months. This time she said it could take as long as 7 months! It was not as quick as we had thought or hoped for. But she also said it could go quicker. One thing for certain. God is still in control and he's timing is always perfect. If it does take 7 months, it was suppose to! So, okay, not much news.

I think I posted last time that Bob was in a car accident....so thankful he was okay as semi's don't tend to give much! The car was totalled though and insurance co. finally came and got it. We are in the process of looking for another vehicle. We have an "on loan" vehicle right now, thanks to my dear family!!!! I was very blessed by it as I had just re-started piano lessons after stopping them for my surgery & recovery. I had 2 lessons and was going to have to stop until we got a vehicle. I am also not house bound...although I honestly go very little.

While I am taking piano lessons, I am also giving them as well. Helps to keep me on my toes! I am very impressed with my "student" as she has had no formal lessons, but can improvise hymns amazingly well!!!

With the arrival of fall, I have several photo shoots on my calendar. Taking pictures is one of my favorite past times....just ask Faith. LOL It's a good thing I have never worked in a camera store. I would never bring home a paycheck...I would have to put it towards my "tab". I am always dreaming about the next photography "accessory" I could purchase. Usually I just keep dreaming as bills have to come first.

This being Sunday, Bob is watching a football game. Faith is down for a nap. I think that means I need to go see if I can sneek in a nap. I was talking to my Grandma yesterday and we both agreed we enjoy taking an afternoon nap. Neither of us feel quilty for taking on either. LOL

Until next time.......

FALL IS HERE!

Brrrr....It is kind of cold in our house today. Not that it was warm yesterday. I have not broken down & turned the heat on. If it gets much colder, I'll cave. In the mean time, I am thinking I'll bake something today. Cake? Cinnamon Rolls? Cookies? I have a feeling Cinnamon Rolls are going to win out. I made a pot of chili already....
I had thought about putting off writing on here for awhile, but when I had several people tell me they actually read my mumblings, I decided to keep it up. So, if you do read this, thanks! 8-) It is a nice way to send out updates.
Speaking of that....Our dossier (adoption papers) were being translated, and we got a call....we need another document. Uggg!!! We got that mailed off and are holding our breath until they tell us it's been sent on to the Embassy (we thought it was already there, but translation took longer than we thought!) When it gets to the Embassy, we'll hold our breath again until it's approved. So, as of right now, we have no real news. We are still waiting and praying that we might be able to travel & have a court date by the end of the year. I thought it would be cool if we had our court date on Dec. 30...it would be before the end of the year and a GREAT birthday present. LOL But I'll just be happy to have it done, whenever - but would like it before 2010....
Please also pray for our car situation....Bob was in an accident with a Semi on Thrusday. Yes, he is okay. He bruised his shin, but otherwise was fine (alittle stiff tho). The car however, did not fare so well. It was totalled. We haven't had this car very long, and really needed it when we got it. Now we are back to just the van...it is getting some high miles on it, and we had planned to replace it next. Thankfully it is still running well as it looks like it won't be getting replaced any time soon! Thankfully God is in control!!!! We don't know how it will work out, but he has everything under control. He knows Bob needs a car to drive back & forth to work and he also knows we will have plane tickents & travel expenses before long. we'll just have to trust Him.
Bob & Faith are cuddled up on the couch watching cartoons right now. Faith has gotten to be a little "Daddy's Girl". When she was younger she didn't care to spend much time with Bob. Now she loves doing things with him. This morning they went out for breakfast (and Bob's Gideon meeting), leaving Mommy to sleep in. Oh, it was SO NICE!! I was sound asleep when they got home.
I think I am going to go turn that oven on and bake something now. Maybe even several things as we have a potluck at church tomorrow. Oh, I just remembered, I start teaching a Sunday School Class tomorrow (the 1st graders). I'd better finish getting my lesson plans ready. Glad I remembered that!
Have a wonderful day! Until next time.........

Sept. 23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB!!!!

I won't tell how old he is today. 8-) But I'll tell you this, if you take how old Faith WAS and put it with how old Faith IS you'll find the answer. LOL

Tired after a fun weekend

I have been dragging today! We had a full weekend, and it just plum wore me out. Friday we spent the day in town, but ended up spending the morning at the hospital. I called my Dad to see if Faith & I could eat breakfast with him when he got off work and he informed me that my Grandpa was in the hospital. So, we ate breakfast with Dad then went to the hospital to see my grandparents. Thankfully he seemed to be doing pretty good, other than he was ready to go home. (I can appreciate that!) They ended up "installing" a pacemaker Friday afternoon, and he got along just fine. I haven't heard if he's out of the hospital yet. The rest of the day Friday we did some shopping and took back some returns. Picked Bob up from work and headed down to his parents. We left Faith with Grandma & Grandpa while we went to a homecoming football game at Bob's former high school. It was a rather comical game I thought. "We" lost (I say "we" very loosely!) but like I said it was a rather comical game...they stunk and it's no wonder they lost. Saturday we had tickets to go see "THOMAS the TRAIN". Faith thoroughly enjoyed herself as did Grandpa! We took a train ride, but I have to be honest...it was not near as cool of a ride as our train ride in Colorado back in May. Oh, sure, Thomas the train wasn't pulling us in May, but still....the scenery in CO was way prettier! We rode the train with Grandpa & Grandma and spend the day wondering around doing kid activities.
I was so exhausted Sunday I slept the entire afternoon! Bob said he had the TV on full blast (to hear over the treadmill while he walked) and I slept through it all. I was even on the couch! Didn't hear a thing....
Tomorrow I am going to start giving piano lessons....I'm looking forward to it, but hoping I can teach her something. She's 'self-taught' herself what she knows, and I am sure there are things I can teach her...I'm just not sure how much. But Wednesday, I am going to start taking lessons myself. So, maybe I can stay a couple steps ahead this way. LOL

Well, my dear hubby will be home in about an hour so I had better go start supper. He & Faith are kind of weird about wanting supper of an evening. 8-) ha ha

Have a great day!

September?

It's hard to believe it is already 1/2 way through September! Faith turned 4 two weeks ago (which was celebrated by a trip to the zoo). I can't figure out where the time has gone...that she should be 4 already! We have been working on her letters for awhile now, but just recently she decided she wanted to learn to read! So, we have been sounding out little words here and there and I think she will catch on quite quickly if we are diligent to practice on a regular basis. Bob came home from work yesterday and Faith went running up to him and said "Daddy, Momma was learning me how to read today!" I guess next we'll work on the correct usages for "Learn & Teach". 8-)

My brother moved to Hawaii last month, and my sister-in-law & girls followed him - leaving today. We will certainly miss then. I am not sure if I can convince Bob to take a trip out to see them or not. That'd be nice! I've always wanted to go to Hawaii. Three of my siblings have been there, and now one is living there....it'd be cool to visit -and it'd be neat to see Pearl Harbor. Right now though our travel plans are revolving around traveling in the other direction. Our adoption paperwork has been submitted - officially- and we are just waiting to hear back, but it won't be for 3-4wks yet. We're just praying it is excepted and we don't need to add any new documents or update anything before it's approved.

Although short, that about sums up life at our house right now. Just the same day to day activities. But you know what, that is kind of nice. After all my health trials last winter & early spring, I'm very happy to have day to day activities with no hick-ups! Like my mother-in-law says "One is blessed when they have an average day. Because many people start a normal day and it ends tragically." So, enjoy your "average days"!

An Update Finally!

Well, if you have been looking on here for an update, I am sorry you have not found one before now! For some reason blogspot was not letting me access my blog page for well over a week so I could not make any posts. Sorry for the delay. I had typed up a nice email to send out to everyone, since I couldn't access my blog. Well, something happened before I got it sent. My "3 page" email is gone and now I have to start over here. Such is life.
Yesterday, Faith was sick so we stayed home from church. (She's fine today). We watched some movie "The Frog Prince" or something like that. A frog was teaching alittle girl how to be a princess - making her walk around with a book on her head. Well, guess what Faith is doing today!?! Yep, walking around with a book on her head.
What has happened since the last post....well, like I said, I had typed up a long email. I had these great plans to just copy & paste it, but as you know already, it's gone. I am not in the 'mood' to write another 3pg letter so I'll just give you the cliff notes version! 8-)

I am doing well, and was able to go to a "heart conferance" 2wks ago. It was basically a support group put together by my doctor, nurse & the hospital. The neatest thing for me was to be able to speak with the main speaker and his wife. He was born with a heart condition also, and I soon found out it was exactly like mine! I had never, ever met another person with my same heart condition so it was really cool! While we were born with the same condition, we have been down somewhat different roads. I have only had 3 surgeries and considering all, have been very healthy. He has had 10 surgeries and was a sickly child...being pushed around in a wheelchair in highschool. In high school I was taking care of 4 wild mules and chasing them all around the neighborhood! I didn't have time for a wheelchair. LOL
Honestly, I went to the conferance to gleen medical support. In the end I came away praising the Lord for his great mercy to me! While I have had to live with this limitation in my life, I have been very healthy and led a pretty normal life. The Lord also showed me that he created me very uniquely for a special purpose. No one can do the work He has for me as well as I can...just as no one else can fill the work God has laid out for you. (Yes, I knew this already, but sometimes the Lord has to remind us and show us his truths in a different light).

Another update would be our adoption. The Lord has provided for us financially and we were able to send our dossier (paperwork) to the embassy. Since sending it off, we've had to send 2 more documents. we are praying this last document will be the last and our dossier would go through as is without any problems. From the Embassy the dossier will go overseas where it will be registered. Once registered, we will be sent a travel invitation. When we receive that invitation we will be traveling asap. The common question is "when will you be traveling?" We do not know. However, it is very possible we will be going before the end of the year. It will be 2-4months before we receive our invitation.

With all that, we still have one more update! 8-) Two weeks ago we were blessed with another nephew! My "little" sister & husband had a baby boy. I was very blessed to be able to go down with my sister-in-law to see the new baby. We had a grand time with our 3 girls...driving 7hrs. We made many memories and had a great time. Let's just say I will never, ever look at "STEAK and SHAKE" (resturant)again without laughing! But you know, when girls gotta go, girls gotta go.... 2 Moms & 3 little girls went tromping through a sit down resturant to the potty, and tromped back out (Both Mom's wore their sunglasses in and their sunglasses out!!)

I guess that's about all for now. My breakfast dishes are staring at me as is my treadmill. Until next time........

Alittle Late

Well, I was in a pattern of blogging once a week - on Tuesdays. Something happened this week. It's Thursday, and I am just now blogging. oops...I'd better get my act together and be alittle more consistant with this.
Since my last blog - well, we went camping with my oldest brother & his family last weekend. We had a nice time and certainly enjoyed seeing them. The down side was that I won't get to see my brother for awhile as he is leaving this Saturday for Hawaii.....to live there! Who knows, maybe I'll talk my dear hubby into vacationing there so we can visit them....yes, I know 'good luck with that one!' But we did have a fun time with them, and it went way to quickly!
Faith is finding out what it's like to have bug bites. That poor girl is like I was when I was little...bug bites ALL OVER and can't leave them alone. She's had some nasty ones, that only got worse with her scratching & digging at them. "Mommy, I need a band-aide" is a very common phrase around our house.
Oh, a funny story....This morning I was working on the computer. I thought I heard the fridge door open & close. Then I heard Faith go outside and come back in several times. Finally I thought I had better go see what she was up to. When she saw me she asks "Momma, do you want to go check for eggs?" Sure, so off we set for the chicken house. Now, we have 21 baby chicks (that are about 2 months away from starting to lay). We have 3 adult chickens that lay 2 white eggs & 1 brown egg daily. We opened the chicken house door, and low & behold, there were 3 WHITE eggs. We only have 2 chickens that lay white eggs. (For those of you who do not know, chickens lay 1 egg a day....) I was coming to the conclusion that one of our "baby" chickens must have started laying earlier than normal! Then Faith started laughing and she said "I put those eggs there from the fridge!" Huh, that would be why they were COLD when I picked them up! That little stinker......I am not sure if her Mommy's ornery side is starting to rub off on her or what. I am still laughing that she put that much thought in to playing a trick like that!
Speaking of Miss Hilerious...she has been pestering me every since I started this post. She wants to play a game. I told her as soon as I was done we could either read books or play a game. I'd better go...
Until Next Time.............

August Already

I can hardly believe it is already August!! Where has the summer gone? The summer is almost over and my little girl is growing up way to quickly!! She will be 4 in less than a month!
It appears that of late, I have developed a habit of only writing on here once a week. I guess maybe I don't have any great news very often. So, what has happened since last week? I am continually getting stronger. I actually vacuumed yesterday. It wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I managed to get done what I had set out to do. The vacuum was already in the room so I didn't have to drag it through the house. I have not yet taken any laundry to the basement. I've been told I will be in trouble if I try it. Some of the oddest things still bother me. Sneezing is still alittle painful. Washing dishes makes me short of breath, but I can walk 3 miles. (No, I don't like doing dishes, but it really does wind me!)
This past Friday we had a family gathering at Mom & Dad's. It was nice to see 2 of my aunts (Dad's sisters) and a cousin that I don't get to see very often. I think the kids had alot of fun playing together also. Atleast Faith is still talking about it.
This afternoon the neighbor came and mowed our pasture. It was very nice to have that tall grass mowed (and eventually bailed). Faith enjoyed sitting out under the tree watching him.
Oh, another item of news would be our adoption progress. We were able to send our dossier (paperwork) to our agency for pre-approval. We have received the pre-approval and now will be sending it on to the embassy as soon as we receive directions for doing so. Things are progressing really well right now. We are praying that it will continue that way. If you think of us please pray the dossier is approved at the embassy without difficulty and that the Lord would provide the funds we need to pay for the remainder of our fees. If you have a great fund raiser idea, we are certainly open to suggestions!
I think that about sums up this past week. Have a great day!
Until next time..............

Since Last Week...

Not alot has happened since our last report. Two things to report would be:
1) My doctor's appointment on Friday went well. The doctor is still pleased with my progress. My next appointment is now in 3months instead of just a couple of weeks as it has been. Dr. Law was happy to hear I am still walking. Although since we've been home I've not been as faithful! oops! I am only walking about every other day instead of everyday. I need to get back to every day, but the last week or so it seems like I've had things come up. That being said I am now able to walk 3miles. While we were in the office, my brother Peter got to come back during part of the visit to watch some of their "equipment work". Peter loves anything that goes, and if it doesn't go - watch out! He'll take it apart and might even get it going again. I've always liked this doctor (Dr. Law) as he is so personable, and is more than willing to take as much time with his patients as they need or want. Well, Peter came back and Dr. Law asked "So, who is this?" I replied "This is my brother, Peter." Dr. Law's response kind of took my by surprise! "Hi, Peter, I'm Ian." How may doctors do you know that introduces themselves by their first name? Lete alone to the 11yr old brother of their patient?? It just showed me how very down to earth he is! He has never put on airs, 'tooted his own horn' or anything of the like. Anyway, it just amazed me. He's a super great doctor!! (Actually one of the major reasons I chose the hospital 3hrs from my house!)
2) This 2nd update is more of a family update. Friday, after a good report from the doctor, we went to the UPS office and mailed off our adoption paperwork. It was sent to our adoption agency where they will go over everything and the approve it. If it is approved we submitted it to the embassy in Washington. If it is not approved, we fix the paperwork that was either 'to old' didn't have proper signatures or whatever the case was then submitted it to the embassy. There is 1 document that we might have to redo as it's getting "old" but it would be pretty minor if we did...and if that's the only thing that we have to redo, I will be jumping for joy!! Please keep the process in your prayers. Things have become very picky and it's possible there could be several things (even major) that would need work. We are just praying that will not be the case. We don't know when we'll be traveling at this point, BUT if things go well, it is possible we could leave later on this year. We don't know, and only time will tell. Please continue to pray the Lord would provide the rest of our funds (this will also dictate how soon we could travel).

That's about the size of our update for now. Supper is just finishing up. That means I need to get it set on the table & run out and call Bob. He's out cutting up some fallen trees. Until next time.....

Wow! I can't believe it has been a week since I blogged! I could say I have been busy, but that wouldn't be true. I am not sure what has kept me from here, other than I forgot?!?

Well, I survived my 1st week at home. Things went very well, and Faith has been a very good little helper (as well as a good conscience..."Mommy, don't pick that up, it's too heavy for you!") Saturday my mother-in-law came up and helped me with some housework that I couldn't do. It was wonderful to get the rugs etc. vacuumed! Saturday Bob also got a new water heater installed. We knew it was getting bad, and when we got home it was past bad and it was gone! So, my first week at home was hot water-less! We had to boil water and that was no fun, but it's not been that hot around our way so let's just say we girls didn't much mind skipping a few baths! It was certainly nice to get hot water again as well!

Please continue to pray for my healing. I am doing well, but last night I wasn't feeling 'right', and not sure what was going on. I visit the doctor again this Friday. It's been a month since my last dr. appt. I have done very well, but last night was alittle disconcerting.

I guess there isn't really any more news. Faith & I have been playing games this morning and now it's about time for lunch then we need to get some "work" done. (If you can call it work! lol) have a great day.......

Home Sweet Home

After being gone from home for 7weeks (1 week in the hospital & 6 weeks at Mom & Dad's) we are HOME. I know this will sound funny, but I wasn't even really homesick yet. Poor Bob, he was biting at the bit to move out of his in-laws home. (It's a good thing they get along!!) That being said he quietly bore it waiting until I was ready to leave. I finally decided to give going back home a try. I have been doing really well and thought maybe I could manage. However, I was not looking forward to facing the work load of keeping up a house that my Mom had been doing for the last 6wks. Things at Mom & Dad's were always hopping. Something was always happening: calves being born, hay to bale, neighbors stopping by, Faith & Peter squabbling... If i went home, things were going to get dull. I wouldn't have Mom to talk to durning the day. No little brothers playing tricks me or me playing tricks on them. That being said, I knew I had to leave at some point and Bob was really ready. So, Saturday we packed up our stuff and headed home. It was nice to be home (despite the rain forest in our yard). Since then I have been on my own with Faith 2 days now. We have done very well. I do what housework I can & Bob has been kindly doing what is left when he gets home from work. Yesterday I felt really good & even thought about taking the laundry to the basement myself. However, that thought was short lived as I knew if my husband or mother found out they would skin me alive. lol It's not within my weight limits anyway. Today I also got along fairly well, however have had an upset stomache. Maybe it was because I was getting aggitated over adoption paperwork!?!
Speaking of adoption paperwork...we are almost done!! I am waiting on 2 different documents from the social worker & our agency. I have to compile a page worth of pictures of us & our house, get a copy of our marriage license & get something from our county recorder (prove we own our home). We get those and we are DONE! My goal is to be done by this Friday so I can spend the dossier onto our agency for approval. Once they approve it, it's off to the Embassy in Washington.
Last night I found a peice of paper that had a saying and these 2 verses written on it. I held tightly to these verses before surgery.
"Commit thy lot unto the Eternal, place in Him thy confidence and He will act" ~ Unknown
Jeremiah 32:27 - "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything to hard for me?
Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which though knowest not."

I have seen the hand of the Lord working in our lives the last few months. He has been with us through some very dark times. He has also been with us through these last few weeks that have been much brighter, and held great promise of the possibility of bringing another child into our home.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I praise the Lord for his healing hand in my life!

Be Ye Kind

I was trying to decide what topic I would write about this morning. I have several things I wanted to blog but had to decide which one to pick. I thought it would make just as much sense to blog them in order! So....Be Ye Kind -
Peter & Faith have had their moments. Sometimes they get along just beautifully and enjoy the "uncle/neice" roll. Other times they act like siblings and squable about EVERYTHING! Being big sister and Mom in this scenerio I pulled rank. Thursday, I had had enough! I told them they had to do 5 kind things for each other. They couldn't get it in their heads they needed to be kind in word and deed. The first thing they had to do was wash each others feet. (All of my siblings will think this sounds very familiar!) The next kind deed was to scrub the other's shoes clean. Peter got the 'joy' of reading Faith a story after which Faith swept Peter's bedroom floor. The next 'kind deed' was enjoyed more by the rest of us then Faith & Peter. Mom (my mom) decided that since they had been calling each other "big baby" they were going to find out what big babies are like. For supper they each had to sit in the high chair and get fed by the other. Oh it was hilerious! Peter took it like trooper, but Faith was the one that pitched a fit about having to sit in the high chair & get fed. I told her, well then the next time you think about calling Peter a big baby you'll remember what happens to big babies! Supper was a rather interesting experiance for them. But you know what, it worked! They stopped calling each other big babies, AND they were kind to each other for quite awhile afterwards. So, if you have kids fighting, might I suggest making them wash each other's feet! LOL

Family Pic

This is a family picture we took on the 4th of July. No, we did not start out matching that morning. Bob's Mom bought shirts for everyone. By the time she got done with us we not only matched with each other, but Bob's sister & her 2 kids as well!!! Faith had a shirt too, but had been dreaming of wearing her "4th of July dress" for weeks so we let her.

The New Calf

Yesterday proved to be an exciting day here at Mom & Dad's. A little while before noon the boys came in to say they were pretty sure "Polly" was going to have her calf. We walked back in the field and sure enough she was in labor. Faith was quite fasinated by the whole process. Faith can now say she's seen a calf be born! I'm sure she'll be very eager to share her experiance with anyone who cares to listen....and those who don't care to listen as well! LOL Earnie had to pull the calf, but it was fine and was up walking around by early afternoon.
Nothing much has been going on around here. Yesterday was pretty warm (I wouldn't say hot though). However, today it is rather chilly! They are predicting thunderstorms, but we're hoping Dad & Earnie can get the hay baled before it starts raining. They mowed it yesterday and are wanting to get it put up before the storms hit. It's pretty cloudy, but maybe it will hold off awhile longer.
Bob & I are planning to go home this weekend. The goal is that we will stay home, but should I not be able to manage we'll come back to Mom & Dad's for a week or two more. I am feeling very good (still walking 2miles/day) and getting along well. My only trouble is getting tired easily. I can walk, push things with my feet/legs, but if I use my arms to much it really wears me out. This is going to sound funny, but it winds me more to take a shower & get dressed again than it does to walk 2 miles! Mom made gravy for supper last night & I got the job of stirring it. I had to recruite Peter to finish because I got worn out. Time will tell how I get along. I still have weight restrictions another 4wks. However, Wednesday I can increase it from 5lbs to 10lbs. Only trouble is 5lbs still is uncomfortable to manage. Atleast Bob said he was willing to help me with the housework. (I think he just wants to stop living with his in-laws! Thank goodness they get along! 8-)
Until next time...................

Happy 4th of July! (alittle late)

I hope you all had a wondeful 4th of July weekend! We thought it was very unusually cold for the 4th! I don't think it even hit 75! We enjoyed the time we got to spend with family and remebering the sacrifices so many paid for our freedoms.
All of my brothers & sister plus their families got to come down to Mom & Dad's on Saturday. It's always fun to get to see each other & spend time together. The cousins love playing together as well. Bob's sister was also up from Oklahoma over the weekend. She & I were good friends long before B0b & I were even an 'item'. Faith has 2 cousins on that side and had fun with them as well.
Today Dad took a 'trip' south east of here to look at a hay baler. We decided to ride along with him as he wanted some company. His truck is getting easier to ride in but is still alittle ruff. We went over some railroad tracks and that was pretty uncomfortable. Otherwise I am still mending at a good pace. My chest incision is uncomfortable at times, but getting better as I have tried to lighten up on my arm activities. (And avoid sneezing!!) Laying in bed on my side aggrevates it the most. I am schedualed to see the surgeon on the 13th. However, he called and left a message telling me I did not have to come if I did not want to. I guess my other 2 doctors had been giving him updates as to my progress. From those updates he determined that I was doing well enough that the other 2 doctors could handle things unless I had a question about my incision. So, if we can confirm that the rash along both sides of the incision is only heat rash I won't have to go. Otherwise I will keep the appt. and make sure it is nothing serious. It itches, but no fever or anything else. (And it arrived the same time our really hot weather was here! Before the A/C was installed.) I'm still walking 2miles a day. In the last week, I've only missed my walk on Sunday. I was going to get up early enough to go in the morning before church. I was up to late watching fireworks so that didn't happen.
I hope you are doing well. Until next time.........

Feeling Better Again

Last Saturday thru Tuesday I was not feeling as perky as I had been the week before. Several topics were thought to be possible culprits. None of which were proven to be for sure. I decided to go ahead and just start walking again despite not feeling the best. Whether it was from walking or the problem passed that was making me feel bad, I don't know. One think I do know, I am feeling pretty good again. I am back to walking 2miles a day. Mom & I don't always get up early enough to go before it gets to hot. So, the last few days I've been going about 8pm. It takes me 1hr to walk 2 miles. Bob went home (our house) tonight, and since he goes with me in the evening I had to recruit someone else. This evening Peter went with me. We walked just alittle over 2 miles (setting a new goal). Last night the goal I set was not stopping until I got thru the first mile (our turn around point). It was quite the accomplishment as before last night I had been stopping any where from 4-5 times in the first mile! Last night, I only stopped twice in the 2nd mile to pick some flowers for Faith. 8-)
I have discovered that while I have been sitting here, my pesky brothers tied my leg to the chair with a bike cable. Then Mom proceeded to put a blanket on my head. (And do you wonder where I get my ornery streak??) ha ha My sweet daughter is trying her best to figure out the combination to free her Momma.
Thank-you for your continued prayers. I am feeling pretty good again, but I have had some pain return. My chest (incision area) has gotten rather painful the last few days. I believe it's from using my arms to much. I need to remeber to be careful. My biggest delima is getting out of chairs and bed. I can't use my arms to help myself up & sometimes forget. I know that is not helping my pain go away. Last night I felt some "rattles" in my right side. Mom listened to my chest and it sounded like I was snoring. It was rather funny. While it sounded funny, it wasn't necessarily a good sound. The praise is that rattle feeling is gone from my chest today.
Dad has been bailing hay the last few days. It has caused things to get rather crazy. Bob was out helping him yesterday. Mom is constantly running after things Dad needs or taking him & the boys to the next hay field. Faith & I tag along sometimes just to get in on some of the action.
Faith, Earnie & Peter are playing a card game. We "created" a card game just for Faith. She wanted to play cards, but couldn't comprehend Rummy. We made up a game just for her. 8-) But I need to put an end to the game to night and get her to bed. Until next time......

It's been a pretty nice day today. The weather has not been to hot and nice breeze has been blowing. Mom took the boys to trumpet & piano lessons this morning. They were gone for a good portion of the morning & early afternoon. Faith & I stayed home with Dad. While Mom was gone, I took some laundry off the line for her. It was a slow process as I could only carry a few garments at a time. When Mom got back home she looked at the clothes line and said "What happened to my laundry?!? Did someone take some clothes of the line? I am sure I hung more laundry then that!" I informed her that yes, I had taken clothes of the line & they were laying on the couch in the back room. It was rather funny because she couldn't figure out where her laundry had went to. She didn't think that I would have taken it off. Surprise! Slow & steady wins the race in my case.
Dad is over at the neighbor's bailing hay. I was waiting for Bob to get home then we were going to head over there. Bob was going to help, while I "look important" supervising. haha Since it's a nice day, and I had a nap this afternoon I felt up to going over there with them and sitting down and watching them all work.
I was doing alittle more, but my chest (sternum) got to bothering me again. It got to be rather uncomfortable at night. I was needing tylenol again. So, we decided I was doing to much. I was using my arms more to help myself get out of chairs, bed etc. I was also lifting more than I should have been. While I was staying under my 5lbs limit, whatever I was doing was to much.
I think everyone is about ready to go over to put up hay so I'd better run. Until next time.......

Saturday Bob & I decided to take off and spend the day in Des Moines. We had to go to the bank and needed to return some sandels I'd gotten for Faith. It was nice to get out and spend the day with just our "little family". Bob has been a trooper about staying with my parents for the last month. It's a blessing he gets along with his in-laws! Saturday night he stayed up until 2am helping Mom get cherries in the freezer. We have been debating about when we'll go back home, and we're still planning the week (or weekend) after the 4th of July. The only concern is that while I should be able to drive by then, I still won't be able to lift more than 5lbs. That means no laundry etc. (My brother just suggested I push the laundry basket down the stairs. How would I get it back up, Peter? Oh, he says attach a pully...well, I can't pull 5lbs either! Oh, excuse me, he says if I have enough pullys it would decrease the weight. Or I could hook a motor up to it. Yes, we're carrying on a conversation as I type this!) Anyway, we will see when we actually go home, but we're talking possibly next week if I think I can manage well enough on my own. The biggest problem I see is keeping Faith occupied. She's had so much to do here at Grandma & Grandpa's that when we go home she is going to be so board! I don't know what I am going to do with her! She helps milk the cows, bottle feed the baby calves, feed chickens, check for eggs, pick flowers, pick berries, green beans, lettuce, radishes and the list goes on. She's going to find her swing set rather dull after all this!
I think I posted a note about my DR. appt on Friday. It went well. The doctor was pleased and impressed with my progress. They took me off 1 medication, and it could have possibly effected my energy level. Saturday & Sunday I wasn't feeling as well as I had been. It's hard to say if it was being off the meds (which is a good thing), lack of sleep or something I ate. But today I am doing much better. Oh, I hear Mom coming in from the garden. I am suppose to be checking something for her on ebay. I'd better run.......

Dr. Report

Despite it being Peter's birthday, I had to go to the doctor. I guess better me than the birthday boy. I was very curious to see what Dr. Law would say about my walking and his assessment on how I was doing. I was not to be disappointed! His words were "You are our poster child for this surgery!" I have losted 7lbs of fluid since my last dr. appt about 2wks ago. I don't think I've ever lost 7lbs in 2wks before! It's nice that is gone, but I still have more to lose. I will be glad when I can wear something non-elastic again. (I suppose I could go out and buy bigger jeans, but to me that seems very wasteful when I won't wear them but a month or two longer.) Anyway....Dr. Law also told me that it was amazing that I had started walking 2miles/day this week. He was very impressed and told me that I was doing even better than he thought I would be doing by this point! Isn't that amazing? How about that's GOD!!! He told me motivation was doing great things for me and was just pleased with my progress. He sees me again in 1 month. I know the Lord has given me a great recovery after a very intensive surgery. I am healing nicely. I was never really sick (no appetite etc) like was expected. The Lord is good! It is humbling to think of the times I let my flesh doubt his goodness/faithfulness to get me through surgery & recovery. If you are facing a daunting situation or you are going through one, may I just encourage you to keep your eyes on the Lord. Things may look scary, but remember He will never fail you!! Prov 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart....."

Happy Birthday, Peter!

Today, my little brother is 11. Yep, we kids are spred out, but we don't mind. Like I tell people when they ask if I liked having "lots" of sibings...."I was never board! There was always someone to fight or play with depending on your mood." An added blessing is Faith adores her uncles and has some entertainment while she's at Grandma & Grandpas. So Peter, Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day!!! (And enjoy whatever pranks Earnie & I think to pull on you! LOL)

Today's 'Hello'

Not to much news since yesterday. Mom & I got up about 6:30am and went on our walk for the day. We walked 2miles again. This morning I kept up with Mom better than I had yesterday. Peter went with us, but rode on his bike. It looked like it was going to cut loose & rain any minute. Thankfully it did not! - Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment. I am curious to see what they say when I tell them I've started walking again. I don't see them saying telling me to stop, but they might be surprised. - Peter's 11th birthday is tomorrow. Earnie & I are trying to think of something ornery to pull on him. lol See, I am doing better...my ornery bug just keeps thinking of things to do! -
Bob & I have started talking about going back home. I don't know for sure when we will. Bob wants me to be able to drive before I am home alone. He doesn't want me to be stranded should something happen. (Of course if something happened, I'd throw Dr. orders to the wind and drive anyway...Bob knows that so is not going to take me home until I can drive per Dr. orders) Unless Mom & Dad kick us out sooner, we'll probably head home sometime right after the 4th of July. I have another dr. appt. July 6th with the surgeon. At that appointment, they are planning to give me the clearance to drive if I am doing well. So, if we haven't seen you in a month or better, maybe we'll be able to meet up with you in a few more weeks.
Have a good day, and enjoy this heat, if you are getting what we are getting. (During the heat of the day, I'm inside enjoying the air conditioner Dad brought home!) Until next time....

HOT HOT

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a very hot day here! Mom took the boys to trumpet & piano lessons. She was gone from 10:30-2:30. Dad got home shortly after Mom left so Faith & I were not alone very long. By noon I was ready to melt & not feeling the best. After Dad went to bed, Faith & I laid in front of a fan & watched a Strawberry Shortcake movie. Faith watched the movie, I took a short nap! We ate a very small lunch and then we both laid down & took a nap. It was so hot & humid, it wore me out! When Mom got home I still wasn't feeling well. So, Mom decided we would go to town and go "shopping" then we could get cooled off. About 1/2 way to town the clouds turned dark & green. The radio station was warning of terrible storms with hail & high winds. The temperature had dropped significantly. We turned around & went back home. It did rain last night & cooled things off. There was discussion as to the forcasted temperature for today. So, when Dad came home this morning he came toting in a large window A/C unit. He just got done installing it in the living room, right by the chair I like to sit in. If you ask any of my siblings they would tell you he's always spoiled me. I'd say this was just taken care of me so the heat didn't get to me again! (But it wasn't just for me! Rebekah, my pregnant sister, is coming up for a visit next week. We're looking forward to seeing her! )
Mom & I have decided that we needed alittle more exercise. I have been doing well unless it hits those high temps. We got up at 6:30 this morning and went on a 2 mile walk! It was the first real "walk" I've had since surgery. I'm sorry, except for the zoo trip last week. I got winded quickly, and had to stop now & then. But I made 2 miles up & down low grade hills! Pretty good accomplishment as 4wks ago today was my surgery! The Lord has been very good to me!
Please pray for our adoption. We are waiting on a document that should have been here several weeks ago. The longer we wait the more apt we are to have to redo something. We are still moving forward, although alittle slower right now. Lord willing we'll receive that document and the few others we need before to much longer.
Until next time......

Over Due Post

The days have flown by and I have hardly noticed! I didn't realize it had been 5 days since I had blogged anything. As the old saying goes "No news is good news". I have continued to do very well (Despite the HOT temperatures). Last week Dad heard on the local radio station that the zoo would be open Friday at 5am. If one arrived between 5-9am zoo entrance was free. I thought Faith would love to go. We decided to take the 'kids' and enjoy a free day at the zoo. Mom knew someone that had a wheel chair we could borrow so I would not have to walk the entire way. We arrived at the zoo and decided that we would leave the wheel chair in the car & Dad would go back to get it when I got tired. Well, surprise of all surprises...we went around the zoo once and saw the exibits that were open. At 10am when the zoo opened officially we went around again. Towards the end of our 2nd round I was getting very tired. I decided though that since we were almost done I could manage the remainder of our loop. I didn't even use the wheel chair! I sat down alot & rested, but I made it! I was very tired when I got done, but it was a good tired (Like when you have just exercised). I sure slept good that night!
Saturday, I spent the day with my mother-in-law while Bob went fishing with his brother & Dad. We did make a trip up to the post office in Des Moines though. I had ordered some chickes for Peter, my brother. They arrived and we had to go get them. That was pretty neat to see the inside of a HUGE post office! Not to mention the number of boxes that contained chicks!
Sunday we went to church with Mom & Dad. Despite the message being directed towards men, the pastor had a very good sermon! We had a some what lazy afternoon after a delicious lunch of grilled T-bone. mmm... Then Peter started off a string of mishaps by dropping a jar of apple cider on the floor & breaking it over his feet. Thankfully he was not hurt, but we have been seeming to have a string of accidents since....
Today Faith dumped some plant dust all over the entry way. It was a huge mess and she had to take a shower. We had no sooner got that cleaned up when our next mess came along - There was a fan sitting on the table & Peter turned it on. It fell over backwards and shattered a bowl. The peices went flying! Mom made the comment - I'm not superstitous, but things seem to happen in 3's. We hadn't gotten the bowl mess cleaned up when Tim & Krisdyn arrived (my brother & sister-in-law). I told them "You might want to leave & come back later. We've had 2 messes and we might have a 3rd. The boys went out to the garage to weld some metal Tim brought. Not long after, here they come. Tim had one arm around Peter & was holding a wrist with the other. Peter had managed to cut his wrist on a peice of metal. Thankfully, it was not that bad. Mom, being a nurse, fixed him up. The thing that bothered Peter the most was Mom's news that he could not go swimming in the pond on his birthday (Friday). This afternoon, Dad, Peter & I went to town to get some bike parts. On the way back home we discovered the effects of todays heat. Two sections of the highway (the large 8ft sections) had buckled and were sticking up. I hollered for Dad to slow down, but he had already seen them. Neither Dad nor I had ever seen anything quite like it. It wasn't the average little buckle in the road. It was the entire 2 sections of the road! They were atleast 3ft off the ground.
With it being so hot today I decided (having not learned my lesson the first time I tried this) to cool off my dear family with water balloons. Oh, yes...a slow learner! lol Of course I had it made! No one could throw water balloons at my front. However, attempts were made to break them over my head by squeezing them. I managed to get several people wet and stayed dry myself. Although with todays high temps wet would have not been all that bad! By and by pay back will come! This evening I was sitting on the porch when my mother, as innocent as me, lol snuck up behind me and dumped my ice water down my back!!! BRRR
Thanks for your continued prayers for my recovery! Today I honestly felt like the only thing holding me back was the 5lb limit of lifting. Otherwise I believe I'm really doing great. I say that and I add this "BUT"....this heat has been alittle hard on me. It was 98 today & very humid. The last 2 days I have had more discomfort in my chest when I breath. It feels like there is a weight on my chest surpressing my breathing. I'm pretty sure it is the heat/humidity. Other than sitting under a tree and throwing water balloons at unsuspecting passers by, I didn't do much today...So pray that I would manage the humidity/heat the next few days as it's not suppose to cool down. (Bob loves this weather!!) Mom & Dad have a window A/C unit, but it's in Dad's room so he can sleep during the day. Although I can go in there if needed.
We are starting to talk about going home!! I have a dr. appt Friday so I'm eager to see what they have to say. It will probably be another week or two before we do actually go home, but I'm getting closer!
I just realized, I am the only one still awake and it is getting late. I had better run. Until next time.......

No to Water Balloons

Today I learned that just because the doctor did not mention something on the list of "no's" following surgery does not mean it should be tried! This afternoon Earnie was belly aching because Mom wouldn't let the boys go swimming in the pond across the road. (Faith knows nothing of the pond and I want to keep it that way!!! It can not be seen from the house.) Well, Earnie was complaining because it was hot & he couldn't go swimming. Instead he had to go work outside. Me, being the quiet, nonmischievious person that I am decided that what he needed was a good dose of a prank. I dug around and found 2 water balloons. Filled them up and enlisted Peter's help. We snuck around the house to where Earnie was working and let those balloons fly! We did catch him off guard. The only trouble was the balloons bounced off him and broke on the ground. Although Earnie did get wet, it was not as wet as we were hoping. The other trouble: I discovered that heaving that water balloon through the air was a very bad idea! It really worked my chest over and I've been aching very since. While it was funny, I'm not sure it was worth it. But do you think I stopped? No...Earnie hadn't really gotten wet. Mom just bought a little sprayer (the kind you spray weeds in your yard with). It's brand new and has had no chemicals. The 'kids' have been spraying each other with it all day. It was sitting on the porch so I grabbed that & went to spray Earnie. I got him alright, but he ran up to me, grabbed the end of the spray nozzle and pointed it at me. By the time all was said & done I am not sure who was the wetter of the two! Despite me being ornery to him, he was very gentle in his revenge upon me & made sure he didn't hurt me in our horsing around. So, I guess after reading this you can tell that I am feeling pretty good! I still get stuck in the bathroom if the door sticks. I am still unable to lift anything over 5lbs (even that is still to much for me). I can't drive. My sternum & collar bone ache from time to time. I get stuck in chairs & can't sit up in bed by myself. But it's obvious I'm getting better because my ornery side has come out. So, for those of you who did not know I can be mischievious...SURPRISE. I know, I just look so quiet & innocent. LOL
Bob just got 'home' from work. He went back to work yesterday (tuesday). I think he enjoyed being off work for 3wks. He didn't enjoy the 1wk in the hospital, but I know he's enjoyed the rest of the time! Have a good day, and remember....don't be throwing any water ballons! LOL

Adoption Update

Well, several things have happened since I blogged last. I know there has been no news. So, if you have checked out the blog for updates and found nothing, I am sorry. Here is an update for you now!
While I was still "brainless" from surgery (not that I'm completely back to normal - lol) Bob made an appointment for us at our family doctor. We are starting to run out of time to get our paperwork completed and we really needed the doctor to sign off on our medical papers. Well, I have to be honest, oh me of little "Faith", I was not looking forward to this doctor visit. I was dreaming up every reason why the family doctor would not sign off on my papers. I mean, I just had major heart surgery. Yes, I'm doing well, but I'd just had major surgery! Why would he think me fit to be a parent the 2nd time around. Well, would you believe he was quicker to sign off on my papers than Bob's?? (He signed off on Bob's, but poked and prodded more on him than me. Maybe he figured I'd already been poked on enough lately. 8-)
Well, by the end of the appointment we had both our medical paperwork for the adoption! I had nothing to worry about! Dr. Wessinger was filling out my paperwork. He looked up at me and said "I don't know; do you have leprosy?" We all chuckled as I said "Not the last time I looked". and he signed my form.
So, we have almost all of our forms filled out. We have 9 documents we need. Four of them are from the agency or social worker. The rest I have to type up and we sign them infront of a notery. I am hoping with in a week or two we should have all documents and be able to send them off for approval to our agency then to the Kazakhstan Embassy.
It just boggles my mind that here, 3 weeks after surgery we are finishing up the paperwork to travel for another baby. The Lord will have to work many things out for this to come to pass, but it is not out of his capable hands. It just blows my mind away to think of all this happpening! It would definantly be a testament to God's great healing power, and his great plans for our live if we adopted only months after all we've gone through. Wow! We will see how this all unfolds. We still may have alot of waiting to do.
All of that, and a quick update on how I am doing. While at the doctor on Monday, he informed me that he did not hear any fluid on my right lung. That's a praise the Lord! I still have a large amount of fluid still around my midsection though. However, Monday I was able to wear a pair of my blue jeans!! I was SO EXCITED! I can only wear 2 pair so far (the ones that required a belt before surgery) but atleast I can wear those. The super glue they used to glue me shut is starting to peel off. I think it looks ugly, but everyone of any medical mind says "Oh, your incision looks beautiful!' I am starting to be able to get out of bed myself. I still require alittle help, but I'm getting there. I am also walking faster - not fast - but I think I can beat a turtle now. LOL I have been having alittle more pain up around my collar bone. Last night, Faith slept with me. She rolled over and wacked me right on the collar bone. That didn't help the pain. I keep a pillow between us, but she managed to miss that & hit me.

I think I had better cut my update short. My brother is sitting here meowing like a cat trying to get me to play a card game with him. I will go appease him, and write more later. Thank-you for your continued prayers!!! The Lord has shown himself faithful even when I have let doubts & fears enter my mind. Isn't it a comfort to know He is always faithful! I can look at my little "FAITH" and know He is faithful. 8-) Bye for now....

A Trip Home

I wanted to blog tonight, but will make it short as I am getting tired. After being gone from my own home for 19 days, I went home today. Bob was planning to go home today & mow the yard. He took 2 of my brothers, Earnie & Peter with him. I decided I wanted to go home for the day so went with them. Mom & Dad were going to a family reunion & thought about going with them instead. However, I was afraid it would be to much and would tire easily. I didn't want to confine Dad's visiting with his family to the very short time I could endure sitting in a lawn chair. If I stayed here at Mom & Dad's someone would have to stay with me as I can not always get out of chairs by myself. Not to mention getting stuck in the bathroom if I forget and latch the door completely! The only draw back to going home was the long drive there & back. I decided I wanted to go home so I did. I took some tylenol right before we left and handled the trip there fairly well. (You don't realize how rough a road is until you have been split down the middle!!) When we got home the boys started mowing while Faith & I walked around the yard looking at flowers and kitties. It was sad to see though that our little kitties had forgotten us and did not want to be played with. Peter the cat was not around so hopefully she (yes a she!) was just out on a hunt. Mom had sent lunch home with us so I just had to heat it in the oven. I took a short nap while lunch was heating. After lunch I was left to clean up the kitchen & dining room. It didn't amount to much as we'd used paper plates, but the small amount of dishes combined with sweeping the dining room floor was enough for me! I took another nap after lunch before collecting the few items we wanted to take back with us. On the way home I was going to take some more tylenol, but fell fast asleep shortly after we left the house. I slept all the way home! So, if you are counting, I did have 3 naps today! I had wondered if I would sleep tonight, but that fear has left. The ride there and back along with the small amount of work I did wore me out. There's a line for the shower right now. As soon as I get mine I'm headed to bed & know I will sleep well. In the mean time Peter is requesting that I help him with his Bible memory verses. Until next time........

No Lights

I had plans to blog last night, but circumstances beyond my control prevented any blogging. About 4:30pm the lights went out! Mom had supper in the oven, but we ended up eating cold left overs. Lights were out for sometime, but by & by they flickered and came back on. Lights were on for about 10mins and went back out. They flickered back on 2 more times, only to go out several minutes later. We spent the evening in the dark. It was a new experiance for Faith, and I'll have to say she didn't seem to mind the lamps & flashlights. lol The boys were wondering what they were going to do when I suggested watching a movie. Huh?? Michelle, we can't watch a movie without electricity. Oh, but we can! I have a little DVD player that has a fully charged battery that should last for about 3hrs. The boys started The Great Escape. Five mins into the movie the lights came back on. Peter suggested they move the movie to the TV as it has a much bigger screen. They had no sooner got the movie playing on the TV when the lights went out again. To their great disgust they soon figured out the dvd was stuck in the player and they couldn't get it out until the electricity came back on. They resorted to watching a different movie in the little battery powered DVD player. It was all for the best. The lights didn't come back on uptil about 3am.
I didn't watch much of the movie with the boys as I ended up going to bed. Yesterday was a little more painful than it has been. My chest was very tender and parts of it were more swollen than previously. I can't help but wonder if the ultrasound from Tuesday played a very large part in my increased discomfort. I have only been taking Tylenol at night, but yesterday I took it during the day as well. I hope today proves to less painful.
Mom & I have been having a "battle" over the temperature in the house. She's having hot flashes and I'm freezing cold! Last night I got ready to go to bed and discovered she'd opened the window in my bedroom. lol I asked what she had done that for 'I was in there helping Faith put her clothes away and I got hot!" It's rather funny actually. We just laugh at each other and Mom goes to find me another blanket. I am going to call the doctor today though and ask him about it. Most of the time you will find me wrapped in a blanket with a rice sock on my lap. We think it is probably some of my medications as my blood pressure is pretty low. My prayer is they will do something different so I am not so cold all the time. Not that it's been warm here by any means. It's been cool & rainy. It also doesn't help that I still can't fit into my blue jeans. UGGG!!! They would be alittle warmer than light weight, knee high, elastic waisted things I can actually get around my middle. Please pray they would find a remedy to my coldness. Mom maybe having hot flashes, but of the other 5 people in the house, they aren't by any means cold - just me.
I had better wrap this up. We are going to go visit my Grandma. I have been wanting to see her, and since I've already had a nap this morning (after folding 2 loads of laundry) I think I'm up to it. Have a good day! Remember to thank the Lord for your good health!! You never fully appreciate something until you don't have it! Did you have to have someone help you out of bed this morning? I did, but I am thankful I can actually sleep in a bed now!

Sally O'Dell

One of the things Faith has enjoyed doing here at Mom & Dad's is picking flowers. Mom has a wide range of flowers, and for the most part Faith is free to pick what she wants. There is one flower though that Mom told Faith she could not pick. It is called "STELLA DE ORO". It looks like a little yellow lily. Yesterday, Mom found Faith hiding behind the hostas with her hand behind her back. Faith had picked one of the "Stella de Oro" flowers. Grandma had alittle talk with Faith and told her those were not to be picked. Last night, after helping Earnie with chores (milking the cow) Faith came running into the house. "Grandma! Grandma!" You have a Sally O'Dell!"
"A what?" Grandma asked
"You have a Sally O'Dell and I didn't even pick it!" Faith replied.
We were all in stitches as we figured out Faith had created a new name for the Stella de Oro as she couldn't remember the correct name. Now, we have all just started calling them "Sally O'Dell flowers". lol

Dr Visit

Today I had my first post-op doctor appointment. I visited my cardiologist in Des Moines and he was pleased to see me. This was the first time he'd seen me since surgery. He confirmed Mom's thoughts that I do still have fluid on my lungs...my right lung to be exact. It is still an item of prayer, but it is not a dire concern at this point. He is confident that it will get less and less the more active I become. I also have water retention around my middle, which we also knew. He was pleased to learn that it is also getting better. Those were really the only 2 concerns, but those he was confident would clear up on their own as time progressed. He 'ordered' an EKG, Echo, & Chest X-ray. I will have to say the lady doing the echo was a nice enough lady, but good night! It was a painful experiance. I had one done while in the hospital, when I was even more tender. It didn't hurt really at all - today's was very uncomfortable! Desipte that the doctor had a good report for us. I return to his office in 2-1/2 weeks. Today is day 13 post-op. Wow...it's really amazing how well I am doing! I am walking around the yard several times a day. For those of you who are familiar with my parents home know they have a good size yard (especially when you go up to the barn). I have been to Wal-Mart (that was the day I came home for the hospital!) I went to church with Mom & Dad on Sunday. My naps have diminished greatly as well. My pain is very tolerable most of the time. Today had it's uncomfortable times. The trip up to Des Moines was ruff. We took Dad's truck and it was pretty uncomfortable part of the time. I had thought, before surgery I'd want to come home from the hospital in Dad's truck. After the ride today I was thanking the Lord that it had not been an option when I was discharged! It would have been very hard on me. Today was bad enough! It didn't help that Mom decided to take a "detour" aroud town on the gravel. There were some terrible spots with wash-board that had me clutching my pillow for all I was worth. I think the hollering she heard from the backseat cautioned her from trying any more "wash-board" detours. lol Not that she intentionally caused me pain...It was one of those things that we found out after she had commited.
I see Faith is in her jammies so I'd better think about heading to bed myself. We've been sleeping in the spare room together. I've been managing in the queen size bed and Faith is beside me in her "princess bed". Poor Bob is still sleeping on the couch.....

Comments?

If you are reading my blog and want to make comments, did you know you can? Please feel free to write me a little note or comment on a blog. I'd love to hear from you! It's been nice being here at Mom & Dads as it's anything but dull around here. But it'd be nice to hear from you so I know what's going on in the "outside world".

Yes, dull it is NOT! Peter, my 'little' brother gets along with Faith rather well. HOWEVER, he also likes to micro-manage her and act like an older brother who lost his roll as "baby of the family". He can be a great help and a great agitator. lol

This afternoon I did take that walk. It ended up being a little longer than normal. I walked back in the cow pasture to see Earnie's fort he's building. It was quite the trek for me, but I had in the back of my mind they could always go get the tractor if I couldn't make it back up the hill. Slow & steady won the day! I made it back to the house on my own two feet with very little difficulty. (The only real trouble I had came from wearing crocs in the mud/cow pies. YUCK)

...But I'm not tired!

Well, I have a new milestone on my road of recovery. Last night I actually slept in a BED! I had been roaming from recliner, to couch, to proped up hide-a-bed. Last night, though I kicked Bob out of the bed in my old bedroom (childhood bedroom) and slept in there. I told him he couldn't sleep with me because I saw it being "dangerous" to my well being. Faith has been following me every where I sleep. She has a "princess" bed that Mom made out of couch cushions. She just pushes that up against whatever I'm sleeping on. She doesn't care where she sleeps as long as she's next to Mommy...in her princess bed! We've done alot of roaming. Last night she was in her princess bed right next to my bed. About 2am it let's loose and poured down rain with lightening & thunder. Faith jumped out of her princess bed and into bed with me, promptly covering her head with a blanket! I was concerned how this would work as she can be a very active sleeper. I didn't care to be kicked in the chest! She ended up having the ruff night! I woke up an hour or two later and noticed that she was very close to the edge of the bed. I couldn't pull her over because she's by far more than 5lbs. Before I could think what to do or who to call...Thud....she hit the floor. I called Mom again and again. It seemed to take her a long time to get there. When she did finally get into the bedroom she picked Faith up and headed out of the room. "Mom, where are you going?!?!?" Faith was crying and I thought she needed to put her back in bed with me so I could cuddle her. "I'm taking her to go potty!". It wasn't until morning Mom & I got things figured out. I guess Mom was "lost" and for some crazy reason thought she was still in the hospital! How funny! She also was some what unaware of what had actually happened to Faith. But Mom did return Faith to my bed and we slept the rest of the night without incident. I kept a pillow between us and avoided any wild punches or kicks. lol

Faith was reading stories with Grandma this afternoon. Grandma decided to close her eyes for a few minutes - in the middle of story time! LOL I told Faith while Grandma was resting she needed to sit there quietly and rest also. "But Mom, I'm not tired! I don't want to take a nap." I told her she did not need to take a nap, she just needed to sit quietly and rest. She moaned and groaned about it so I sent her to the couch. (She had been sitting in the recliner with Grandma). Within a minute or two I noticed all was quite. Faith was out of my field of view so I didn't know what was going on. I got up to check on her, and the little girl who wasn't tired and did not need a nap was sound asleep. Imagine that! She has been playing so hard here at Mom & Dad's. She eats like crazy and needs naps whether she wants them or not.

This afternoon I have been listing motorcycle parts for Dad onto Craig's List. He had a harley part he didn't want so elected me to list it for him.

Bob ran home this morning and found our house to be alright despite the rain from yesterday. He's planning to go back Saturday to mow...if it doesn't rain.

I think I'd better get up and go for a walk. I've only been on 1 short one this morning. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow. I am praying I get good reports all the way around. Please continue to pray for the fluid on my lungs. It is not completely gone from the right lung. I don't think there is any fear of them wanting to put a chest tube back in, but we want to keep it that way!! I've also been having a little more discomfort around my incision. I think I lifted something I shouldn't have and irritated it. I just pray it was irritated and not injured. It wasn't anything very heavy, but a couple of lbs really put the pressure on. I'm trying to be careful, but sometimes I don't estimate the size of something very well. Off to my walk around the yard.....

Kick the Salt

After being gone all day yesterday, Mom came home to find me not feeling as well as I had been. Upon further investigation emotions were set on a roller coaster and it was discovered that I had fluid return to my lungs. We took notice of what I had eaten and noted a slight increase of salt intake. It had not been great, but several meals of one or two items with "a tiny bit of salt" racked up. I felt like the good year blimp, I had gained 3/4" around my middle as well as several lbs. I was already dealing with the emotional upset of not being able to wear my jeans and this just pushed me over the edge. I was tired of feeling "fat and frumpy" in my pj pants. Instead of it getting better, it got worse. So, yes last night was ruff emotionally as well as not feeling as well as I had been physically. I was put back on water restrictions for the evening. By morning the story was better. I had lost the 3/4" gain around my middle as well as an additional 1/4". I was also back to the weight I had been at. My middle does not feel as swollen and tight. That was last night....This morning I was feeling better after learning my 'lasix' pill had worked. I went to church with Mom & Dad. I was humbled at the number of people there that had been praying for me! Most of the people there only know me through Mom & Dad and don't actually know ME. I was deeply touched! This afternoon I came home and took a nap then enjoyed some reading. Although I didn't read alot as the medications I was on at the hospital are still effecting my eye sight. (Which I was warned would be the case) This evening I went back to church. I was blessed by attending. I believe the devil tried to sabatoge me last night and try to get me so discouraged and depressed that I would decide not to go to church. I am so thankful that was not the case!
I called our neighbor this evening and learned that we'd gotten around 1" of rain out our way. Bob is running home tomorrow to make sure the sump pump is working and it did not flood the basement. The sump pump is suppose to keep the basement from flooding - not cause it. However, it has been known to decide to up and stop working at the most inconvenient times! Right now we have a "concert" in the works. Earnie is playing the trumpet, Mom & Peter violins & Faith is tooting on a recorder. Peter is finding Faith's rendition of their song less than acceptable, but to her Mommy it's rather cute!

Saturday

I believe it has been several days since I blogged. I have found it difficult to get an internet connection at Mom & Dad's. Dad helped me this afternoon though, and so I should be set. He got me set up so I can use their internet on my laptop. Much easier than a few other things I'd tried.
I am progressing a tiny bit each day. Nights are still ruff on me though. I am slowly learning what works and what doesn't when it comes to sleeping. Simply put, I make the rounds at night. I can not sleep in one spot all night long. So, I have resorted to getting up every few hours and moving to a new "bed". My back can only take so much of one spot. The only trouble is I have to catch someone getting up for a drink or potty break in the middle of the night to help me move. Although I have learned how to "roll" off the couch. lol As long as I get my feet planted I'm good. If I happen to land on my knees, I'm in trouble. It takes Dad or Bob to lift me back to my feet.
Faith, and my brother Peter are back home...and acting like sister & brother! I think Peter is feeling his "baby of the family" roll being invaded and he doesn't much like it. He loves to boss Faith and make sure she does everything exactly as he thinks it needs to be done. However, they can get along beautifully if they both decide to be nice.
Yesterday, was a pretty good day. We had nice weather here and yard work was in full force. Dad & Bob were out cutting up a tree that had fallen. I walked up to the barn and decided I could help. Upon arrival, Mom was pleasantly surprised to see me picking up sticks. Oh, it wasn't anything that spectacular! Faith could have handled ones bigger than what I was grabbing. But none the less it was good exercise and movement for me.
My back is still giving me fits, but I did notice alittle relief today. Praise the Lord! My fluids are slowly but surely receeding. The scales show a decrease in weight ever other day or so.
Lord willing, I am going to try to go to church with Mom & Dad tomorrow. I told Mom I would go if we could find some clothes for me to wear. My tummy is still just a swollen little ball and elastic is my friend. (I am really starting to want to put my blue jeans back on though).
Mom left us today and went to a convention in Des Moines. Dad was late getting home from work this morning so that left Bob, Faith & I home with my 2 brothers. What an interesting arrangement! Earnie, my 14yr old brother got breakfast, lunch and is working on supper right now. I couldn't do much as lifting anything other than tiny sticks just doesn't go.
Please keep praying for my recovery. I am doing well, but have along road ahead of me still.

Faith is coming!

Good Morning! I realized I had not blogged on here yesterday. The day slipped away without my realizing it. Tuesday night was alittle ruff, but after a dose of tylenol slept the rest of the night. Wednesday, yesterday, went pretty well. I have learned that upon waking in the morning I am as stiff as a fence post. Mom has to sit me up in bed and help me get up to a chair. A hot pack on my back for 30mins does the trick and I'm up moving in "granny-low" for the rest of the day. Last night I actually noticed an improvement in the way I felt. Mom went to church leaving Bob & I home to get Dad off to work. I think the 'job' of getting Dad out the door got my mind focused on him instead of me and lifted my spirits. Grant it I couldn't do anything other than give orders to Bob for getting supper on the table, but it gave me a purpose. lol

Today is looking to be a good day! Faith has been fever free for 48hrs and should be at Mom & Dad's sometime in the next couple of hours. I can hardly wait! It's like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning.

I have been walking alot. I have enjoyed the sunshine and take advantage of it. Mom's flowers are always nice to go out and see several times a day.

I would ask you to keep praying for me. A few items of concern -
1) The water retention would subside. I gained a significant amount of weight as well as inches around my waiste. It is all from fluid. Please pray the fluid would leave and water/fluid restrictions could be kicked out the door...SOON!
2) Fluid around my lungs. (I Guess this goes hand in hand with #1) My lung sounds are getting better, but in the morning I can still feel rattles in my right side.
3) My tongue - I know, what an odd request! But during surgery at some point they damaged the side of my tongue and it is very painful!
4) Healing of my chest. It's doing well, and want it to stay that way.

Praise the Lord
-I continue to make small steps on the recovery road.
-I can lay down by myself (although I can not sit up alone)
-I have actually noticed a small step of improvement since yesterday morning
-Faith is well and will be here later this afternoon
-Parents willing to let us 'live' with them and help take care of me

Have a wonderful day and I shall talk at you later!

Praise

Wow! There are many things to thank the Lord for today! One of them, this is MICHELLE!! My sister has been so kind to keep this updated for all of you and I want to thank her. This time though I write to you myself.

This morning at zero dark thirty (Doctors make their rounds to early!) the drs came in to check me out and my chest tube was still draining. Dr. Davis (my surgeon) was not with them so consultations had to be made. Later in the morning he came in and said they wanted me to get up and walk. Depending on the output they "might" take the tube out. Mom & Bob took me for a 'long' walk and then another one. The doctor's final decision...The tube comes out!! You know what that means! I get to go home!!!! Yipee! They took the tube out, I had another consultation with the nurse, some other 'at home instructions' and I was off.

My great home coming was dampened though when I learned that Faith spiked a fever late this morning. She's come down with a bug so I can not see her yet. I am very sad about that, and she is too. Lord willing I might be able to see her Thursday if her fever leaves.

On the lighter side of life.....Did you know that if you have just had major surgery and your mother suggests you eat prunes....DON'T. Yes, It may have been a few days since "regular" but it sure beats the other! She gave me 4 prunes (thank heavens I didn't eat 8 like she wanted!) and then her & Bob decide I need to go for a 'walk'. Oh, have mercy! Let's just say short walks ruled for awhile...I just wasn't moving 'that' fast.

We got home this evening and with great thrill am able to use the 'washroom' alone. The only trouble was...Mom heard a knocking on the inside of the bathroom door. When she opened it up there I stood, unable to open the door! I am not allowed to do ANYTHING with my arms, and when the bathroom door sticks shut, that means I can't even open it.

Thank-you all for your prayers!! I know it's because of that I'm home as soon as I am. Oh, and in home, that really means Mom & Dads. Thanks again!!! My eye lids are getting very heavy so I think I'll go take a nap so I can go to bed later. LOL

Monday Night

Michelle also had an electrocardiogram this morning and everything looks good.

More Faith Photos

Monday Afternoon

Bob sent two messages this morning. The first was that they misunderstood the Doctor, and that Michelle does not have pneumonia. So, praise on that account. Also the Doctor said that she should be able to get out of the hospital as soon as she has her last tube out. It is still draining some, so they will wait for that to stop.

The second message said that she has gotten up and was dressed in street clothes. (That has to make you feel better- hospital gowns, ugh!) I think she has also been walking more, but I kind of forgot and I don't have the phone right now to check.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we can also continue to pray that the fluid would totally clear from her lungs.

Sunday

Michelle was able to get two more of her tubes out today. She is still struggling with the fluid (perhaps a bit of pneumonia). Continue to pray to that effect. It doesn't seem to be affecting her recovery a lot right now, but still a concern to bring before the Lord. She is very thankful for your prayers I'm sure.

Saturday Update

I talked to Michelle this evening. She sounded better than yesterday. She was able to get one of her chest tubes out this afternoon. She has also been walking around a bit. She says she naps, walks, eats, naps and walks. She's still very tired, but she doesn't have as much fluid around her lungs.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

I'm posting this for Michelle...

Friday Update

Michelle is still doing well. They moved her from ICU this morning. She has some fluid on her lungs. This is not abnormal, but it is still something for prayer. She went for a couple of short walks (10 and 60 yds.) today which seemed to have helped, since she showed about 220 ml less fluid. She really does not want to go back on respirator.

She is dealing with some pretty intense pain as well. That may have to do with the fluid. Another thing was that her neck was sore, probably from sleeping on it wrong.

She wanted to thank you all for your prayers, and your continued help in prayer.

Faith is Having Fun!

Flubber making!

She wasn't too sure about the stuff at first.

For some reason my internet is very slow, so I will try to upload more later. I've been sitting here for 30 minutes and I can't get the next picture up.

Thursday Report

I talked to Mom on the phone yesterday, and Bob also sent texts. It sounds like Michelle is doing well. She is keeping down clear liquids. She also was up in the chair yesterday and they had her walk a little. The Doctors are very pleased so far.

Surgery Updates

This is Rachel, Michelle's sister...she asked me to update you for a few days until she's up to snuff. Bob has been texting today, but I haven't had a chance to sit down until now. I'll just post word for word what he sent:

7:38 AM We have commended Michelle to the care of the Doctors. She wanted me to thank you all for your prayers. More as I know.

11:56 AM The Doctors are working on Michelle's heart. She is tolerating the surgery well. More as I know.

1:41 PM Vitals are still stable. Ablation (May's procedure) is done. Working on second part of Fontan conversion. Decreased size of right atria. More to come.

3:00 PM She is off the bypass machine. Pacemaker is installed. Doctors making sure bleeding has stopped. Surgery is virtually over. More to come.

5:11 PM Sugery is over and was a sucess! She's recovering in the ICU. Thank you all for your prayers. Please pray for a fast complication free recovery.


9:38 PM Michelle is awake, alert and talking. The doctors are pleased with her recovery. The Lord's name be praised.

EAT EAT EAT

So, I was told to have a good supper and nothing after midnight. Well, guess what! I didn't have a clue what to eat or where to go, but I wanted ICE CREAM!!! We drove around and low and behold, the Lord sent us down the right road to my favorite restraunt located right next door to my favorite ice cream joint!!! YEAH!! Supper was at HuHots and dessert was at ColdStone Creamery. What a way to fill up my tummy right before my 1-3 day fast. Yumm Yumm Yummm

What & Why

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog page. I hope this will give you a better idea of how to pray for our family right now.
Why will I be having surgery tomorrow? I was born with a heart condition called Tricuspid Atresia. In a nut shell, my tricuspid valve (from R.Atrium toL.Ventrical) did not form properly which caused my Left Ventrical to underdevelop in utero. I had surgery at 11 mo and again at 4yrs. The surgery at 4yrs was to make my heart function to the best of it's ability in that medical era. That surgery lasts approx. 17yrs at best. Mine has lasted 27yrs!! Praise God! I have been doing remarkably well the last 27yrs. However, in 2006 I developed a problem with arrythmias. My heart would take off racing and a trip to the ER was the necessary. In March 2007 I underwent an ablation to hopefully rid the arrythmia occurances. It worked for over a year. In May 2008 it returned. I was bann from ALL forms of caffine (bye-bye Bunny tracks ice cream!) thinking that could have triggered it. In December '08 I had 2 more spells one of them getting me a ride via lifeflight to the ER (although alittle over dramatic). It was then decided to send me to IA City for a 2nd ablation with a Dr. more versed in my type of condition. That was this past March. However, it was discovered that I had to many "sites" causing the possible arrythmias for the doctors to comfortably do anything. That is when they began discussing surgery. Because of my previous surgery, my R. atria has expanded over time. Scar tissue from that same surgery has become sensative causing the irregular beats. I would not choose to have surgery, but for some reason God has led me to this point. While I could have stayed on medication, that would have become ineffective over time needing more meds. Surgery was highly recommended by doctors because of my great physical shape (not that I couldn't stand to loose a pound or two!), and the amazingly wonderful function of my heart. By waiting, we would run the risk of my health declining, damage to the heart from any arrythmias, and my heart function may not be as good as it is now.

So, tomorrow WHAT will they do....they will be doing several things and I am not even going to try to explain them all! (I couldn't). It will be an involved surgery for sure. They plan to shore up the R atria due to it's size. They will also do a "maze" which is basically making planned scar tissue that will interupt any irregular beats that try to take off. There are several other things they talked about, but it's "we'll have to see what things are like when we get in there" type of thing.

Please pray for a successful surgery - no complications - NONE! Pray for the doctor (Dr. Davis) who will be preforming the surgery. There was concern as to problems arising from scar tissue making "entry" into the chest difficult. Please pray that will not be the case. My other requests would be it would solve my arrythmia problems (for good!) and I would be able to get off my medications after all is said and done.

While I need prayers, please also pray for my family. I know this has been hard for Bob to have to watch me go through this. I praise the Lord for such a wonderful husband!! Faith is taking this very well, and I hope she gets along well being away from "mommy" so long. (Truth be told, I'll have a harder time with this seperation than she will!!! Just betcha!)

The Lord has allowed me to go down this path for a reason. My prayer is I will accomplish what he wants me to do through this.....

"Call unto ME and I will answer then and show thee great & mighty things which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3